Consumers Want to Interact With Companies on Social Media

According to a recent 2008 Cone Business in Social Media Study, almost 60% of Americans interact with companies on a social media Web site, and one in four interact more than once per week.

• The survey finds that 93% of Americans believe a company should have a presence in social media, while 85% believe a company should not only be present, but should also interact with its consumers via social media.

• 56% of American consumers feel both a stronger connection with, and better served by, companies when they can interact with them in a social media environment.

When asked about specific types of interactions, Americans who use social media believe:

• Companies should use social networks to solve my problems (43%)

• Companies should solicit feedback on their products and services (41%)

• Companies should develop new ways for consumers to interact with their brand (37%)

• Companies should market to consumers (25%)

What social media programs do you have in place and how to your customers match up to these types of findings?